THEY SAW A MAN

THEY SAW A MAN ( A LEGACY STORY )

In The Spring of His Life

They saw a tall good looking 21 year old college student.
I saw a great looking, strong protector, highly desirable man.

They saw a Catholic boy with no apparent church interest or involvement
I saw a man who to accept me had to deny the pain of religious hostility in his past .

They saw a student with no visible financial means.
I saw a man with potential and determination not to be a beggar or a slacker.

They saw a man who lacked social finesse'.
I saw a man who carried himself in such a way he charmed all he met.

They saw a man who came from a home where there was dysfunction.
I saw a man who refused to be a part of dysfunction and was striving to move beyond it.

They saw a man who smoked and drank beer.
I saw a man who sought his stress relief in familiar habits.

They saw a small town boy with athletic dreams left behind.
I saw an adaptable man who translated athletic loves into love of athletics.

They saw a strong man who could move great things in big ways.
I saw a man who suffered greatly from the efforts and achievements he made.

In The Summer of His Life

They saw a man exercising too strong a parental control.
I saw a man protecting and guiding his family to think for themselves and God.

They saw a man who didn't bend or yield to their opinions or positions,
I saw a man who had a mind of his own and felt beholding to no one.

They saw a man who seemed stern and stubborn.
I saw a man with a flickering light in his eyes when he was mischievous and who was steadfast.

They saw a man who spent hours in preparation for his job and his presentations.
I saw a man who desperately wanted to do his best at all times and be his best at all times..

They saw a man who would not cut corners or stretch a point.
I saw a man who remains true to himself no matter the loss or the consequences.

In the Autumn of His Life

They saw a man running, racing and withdrawing.
I saw a man bedeviled by the reality that life hadn't been as he expected.

They saw a man of intolerance and independence.
I saw a man who learned patience, acceptance and to face being alone, if need be.

They saw a man who changed his priorities and refused to justify it.
I saw a man clinging to his dignity and his privacy and asking for support.

They saw a man who never cared to “go along” because it was the accepted thing.
I saw a man who decided to make others accept him for who he was and how he was.

They saw a man who was a “hard nut to crack”
I saw a man who had softened beyond all expectation and yielded to the Potter.

In The Winter of His Life

They saw a no nonsense opinionated man who cut no slack for incompetence.
I saw a man consumed by a passion to see hard work and perseverance rewarded.

They saw a man who expressed love for his grandchildren yet missed many life events,
I saw a man who tried to balance his physical pain and his desires to have it all with his family..

They saw a man who seemed bitter and resentful at retirement.
I saw a man who knew the finality of one's lifestyle was somehow entangled with his worth.

They saw a man they loved and yet couldn't penetrate in their perceived fashion.
I saw a man who couldn't put down the barriers for fear of cracking himself.

We all saw the same man,
we all loved the same man,
and we all failed the same man.

But, fortunately for all of us,
he saw us as well.
And the one thing we saw,
he saw.
Love.